FY17 Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment Grants

The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to publish guidance for grants to assess and clean up brownfield sites. EPA's Brownfields Program provides funds to empower states, communities, tribes, and nonprofits to prevent, inventory, assess, clean up, and reuse brownfield sites. Under these guidelines, EPA is seeking proposals for Assessment Grants only, to provide funds to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning (including cleanup planning) and community involvement related to brownfield sites. Deadline is December 22.

Congress for the New Urbanism Charter Awards 2017

The Charter Awards recognize excellence in architectural, landscape, and urban design and planning, especially where that excellence engenders more equitable, sustainable, connected, healthy, and prosperous communities. Deadline is January 6, 2017.

Gannett Foundation Community Action Grants

Our community action grant priorities include education and neighborhood improvement, economic development, youth development, community problem-solving, assistance to disadvantaged people, environmental conservation and cultural enrichment. Deadline is February 28.

ArtsWave Catalyzing Impact Grant Program - SW Ohio

The Catalyzing Impact Grant Program provides funding for one-time or first-time arts or cultural heritage projects that support one of the goals of the Blueprint for Collective Action. A project is defined as a specific, connected set of activities with a beginning and an end and explicit goals and objectives. Projects with multiple components must show that there is a cohesive theme that ties the project together. Deadline is March 3, 2017.

IFF - A New Lending Option in Ohio

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps Midwest communities thrive by creating opportunities for low-income populations and individuals with disabilities. In Ohio, IFF offers affordable, flexible financing from $10,000 to $2 million and works closely with clients from every sector, including arts and culture, charter schools, community development, special needs services, and supportive housing. Since 2014, we have provided over $34 million in loans and new markets tax credits for projects in major cities across the state, including Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, and Dayton. More information here.

Innovative Funding Programs for Placemaking

Coming from a broad range of philanthropic interests, funders are continuing to integrate placemaking efforts with innovative grantmaking programs. Check out this list from the Project for Public Spaces.

Surdna Foundation

Artists and Economic Development
The Thriving Cultures Program supports efforts that provide artists with business training and financial resources that enable them to be, and create, valuable economic assets for their communities. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis.
Sustainable Environments
The Sustainable Environments Program is working to overhaul our country's outdated and crumbling infrastructure with a new approach that will foster healthier, sustainable, and just communities. LOIs are accepted on a rolling basis.

USDA Rural Business & Industry Loan Guarantees

This program, for financial institutions, bolsters the existing private credit structure through the guaranteeing of loans for rural businesses, allowing private lenders to extend more credit than they would typically be able to. Applications accepted year-round. More information here.

USDA Rural Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Applications accepted year-round. More information here.

CDFA Brownfields Technical Assistance Program

The CDFA Brownfields Technical Assistance Program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. EPA and is intended to provide technical assistance and resources on brownfields redevelopment financing. Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) and partners provide resources and expertise related to revolving loan funds, tax credits, tax increment finance and other effective financing tools.  More information here.

USDA Rural Business Development Grants

RBDG is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues. Programmatic activities are separated into enterprise or opportunity type grant activities. More information here.

RGK Foundation Seeks Proposals for Community Projects

Presbyterian Mission Agency Grants

Projects considered must: be presented, owned, and controlled by the group of economically poor people who will benefit directly from it; and address long-term correction of conditions that keep people bound by poverty and oppression.This will utilize some combination of the SDOP core strategies to promote justice, build solidarity, advance human dignity and advocate for economic equity. Read more here.

Healthy Food for Ohio Funds

Finance Fund Capital Corporation developed Healthy Food for Ohio (HFFO) to increase access to affordable, fresh food in underserved areas, improve the diets and health of Ohio residents, and spur economic development and revitalization. Grants and loans are available to fund costs associated with land acquisition, predevelopment, construction, equipment, infrastructure, and related expenses for new and existing facilities. Eligible applicants include grocery chains, individual grocery stores, neighborhood food stores, co-ops, and nontraditional food projects such as farmers markets and food hubs. Projects must operate in limited supermarket access areas in Ohio. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.